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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



QDD1EE71335 




Glass L _1.X 



AN 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



OF 



CHARL.ESTOWN, 



IN THE 






COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 



AND 



COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, 

READ TO AN ASSEMBLY OF CITIZENS 
AT THE OPENING OF 

WASHINGTON HALL, 

nov. 16, 1813. 

BY JOSIAH BARTLETT, M. D. 



boston : 

PRINTED BY JOHN ELIOT, 
No. 5, Court-Street, 

1814. 






THE following Address was prepared, with notes, for the 
Massachusetts Historical Society ; and this pamphlet, copied 
from the second volume of the second series of its collections, page 
163, is respectfully inscribed to the Citizens of Charlestown, in 
testimony of the author's gratitude for their various and repeated 
tokens of confidence and esteem. 
May 9, 1814. 



SKETCH OF CHAHLESTOWN. 



THERE are periods in society, as well as in the life 
of an individual, when it is peculiarly proper, by a review 
of past occurrences, to trace the progress of improve- 
ment, and excite such feelings, as may lead to future 
usefulness. On this occasion, when we are convened in 
such auspicious circumstances, and may rationally esti- 
mate the advantages of a laudable exertion for ourselves 
and our posterity, I deem it appropriate to attempt a 
general sketch of our municipal history, and offer such 
observations as comport with the design of our present 
meeting. 

Among the intrepid advocates of civil and religious 
freedom, who encountered the dangers of the ocean, and 
the greater danger of the wilderness, were nine or ten 
persons,* who, in the summer of 1628, travelled by land 
from Naumkeak, now called Salem, and, under the au- 
thority of governour Endicot, constituted this placet an 
English settlement. They here found an " English 
thatched house pallisadoed," and occupied by Thomas 
Walford, a smith by trade, of whom no particular account 
is preserved. By the Indians, who were very numerous, 
it was called Mishawum, and their chief was John Saga- 
more, by whose consent these enterprising travellers set- 
tled themselves in the neighbourhood of town hill, 

* Among whom Ralph Sprague with his brethren Richard and William are 
particularly named in the record. 

t Charlestown, lying in lat. 42 , 23' N. and long. 4" E. from the meridian of 
Cambridge, is of an irregular form, about 7 1-4 miles long, and 1 mile in average 
width. Its bounds (formerly very extensive) were established by the General 
Court, March 3, 1635. It: now lies S. W. on Cambridge, N. W. on Woburn, 
N. W. and N. E. on Mistick river, and S. E. on Charles river, from which its 
name is derived. The natural divisions are distinguished by within and without 
the neck. The first includes a peninsula, formed by Mistick and Charles rivers, 
somewrrat of an oval form, about a mile and a quarter long, and half a mile wide, 
upon which the town is built, and which is joined to the main by a narrow isth- 
mus. The second division contains a great quantity of fertile land, rendered 
valuable from its vicinity to an excellent market. 



4 HISTORICAL SKETCH 

which was fortified* the year following, against invasions, 
with which the English were threatened. 

On the margin of that memorable eminence we are 
now assembled ; it has been repeatedly a citadel of de- 
fence, a resort for the instruction of youth, and devoted 
to the service of the Almighty. Here our fathers resisted 
the threatenings of untutored savages ; here they taught 
the rudiments of science, and projected measures for 
their future happiness ; here, if tradition is correct, they 
worshipped beneath the shade of a venerable oak, and 
perhaps anticipated a period like the present, when their 
descendants, on the same spot, in a spacious temple,! 
should pay their weekly adorations to the GreatCrea- 
tor; and in a convenient edifice,:]: dedicated to patriot- 
ism and philanthropy, should gratefully respect their 
memories, and cultivate the principles they so assiduously 
supported. 

In i629,§ Gov. John Winthrop arrived here with 
fifteen hundred persons, and resided several months,|| 
during which time a church was gathered, which was 
the second in Massachusetts. The governour and other 
publick officers were accommodated with a building 
called the great housed on the westerly side of our pre- 
sent market square, and near the late residence of the 
Hon. James Russell** deceased. The remainder resided 

* This was " performed by all hands, viz. of men, women and children, who 
labour in digging and building till the work is done." 

t The Congregational meeting house. % Washington Hall. 

§ The arrival of Gov. Winthrop is stated by himself, Dudley, Mather, Holmes, 
and others, to have been in 1630 ; but the original town record, vol. I. page 3, 
makes it in 1629, and the figures in the margin and text are perfectly plain. 

II "The first Court of Assistants was held in Charlestown harbour, on board 
the Arabella, Aug. 23, 1630, present, Gov. Winthrop, Dep. Gov. Dudley, Sir R. 
Saltonstall, Messrs Ludlow, Rossiter, Nowell, Sharp, Pynchon, and Bradstreet." 
The Hon. Simon Bradstreet was governour in 1679, and his descendants have 
continued here with reputation to the present period. 

IT Built in 1628, on account of the patentees, by the Hon. Thomas Graves, who 
planned the fort on town hill, and was appointed to " moddle and lay out the form 
of the town with streets," and to " measure out to each inhabitant a two acre lot 
to plant upon." He is spoken of as " a person skilful in mines of iron, lead, cop- 
per, mineral salt, and allum, fortification of all sorts, surveying, &c." He was aa 
Assistant with Gov. Endicot, and appointed a sea commander by Oliver Crom- 
well. His descendants were citizens of repute, and sustained important offices. 

f* The ancestors of Mr. Russell were among the first settlers of the town, and 
en P ved the most important legislative, judicial and municipal offices. He died in 
J?*) 8 * aged 83, and was a descendant of the fourth generation, -who successively, 



OF CHARLESTOWN. 

in cottages, booths and tents. These persons, having 
experienced great sufferings from a variety of causes,* 
became so unhealthy, that many died soon after their ar- 
rival, in consequence of which, the governour, with many 
of the survivors, removed over Charles river to S/iawmut, 
which they called Boston, and others engaged in the set- 
tlement of Watertown, Cambridge, and other places, 
leaving but seventeen male inhabitants. 

In 1632,1 the small pox was very destructive to the 
natives, which rendered the lives of the emigrants more 
comfortable, and hastened an increase of their country- 
men, who, early in 1633, amounted to fifty eight, most of 
whom had families. At this period a church was again 
gathered ; the housed which Gov. Winthrop had occu- 
pied was purchased as a place of worship, and used as 
such till 1 716, when a meeting house§ was erected on 
the northerly part of the square. 

In 1634, the town was organized, delegates were elect- 
ed to the General Court, selectmen|| and other officers 
were appointed ; and from that time it gradually popu- 

among other places of great trust, sustained the office of assistant or counsellor in 
the province. His son, the Hon. Thomas Russell of Boston, an eminent merchant 
and philanthropist, was a native of Charlestown, and was also a representative of 
Boston, and a counsellor. He died April 8, 1796, aged 56. An eulogy on his 
character was delivered May 4 following, by John Warren, M. D. and is published. 

* It is said that but one spring of fresh water was then to be found, and that 
upon the beach, near the present scite of the state prison. However this may 
be, no town is now better supplied. 

t The winter of this year was severe, and there was a scarcity of provisions. 
In the spring a vessel arrived from Virginia with Indian corn, which sold for 
ten shillings a bushel. 

John Sales was the first inhabitant convicted of theft. He was publickly pun- 
ished, and " all he had was taken to make restitution." 

I "April, 1633. Agreed and concluded by the inhabitants that the sum of ten 
pounds be collected of the said inhabitants, and be paid to John Winthrop, Esq. 
governour, and the rest of the gentlemen interested in the great house built in 
anno 1628, by Mr. Graves and the company's servants; which is for the pur- 
chase of the said house, now the publick meeting house in this town ; all which was 
accordingly done." This is a specimen of the early records of the town, which 
are very minute and entertaining to those who acquire a knowledge of the wri- 
ting of that period. The town clerk was Mr. Increase Nowell, who was after- 
ward secretary to the colony. 

§ This building was 72 feet long, 52 feet wide, and 34 feet (three stories) high, 
with a steeple. The cost stated at 2000 pounds. 

[| The number of " deputys at court " this year was three ; and of selectmen, 
eleven. The names of persons admitted inhabitants were recorded, and on the 
8th of March, 1635, it was agreed, that "whosoever is warned to appear at any 
town meeting forty eight hours before the time appointed, and shall fail, unless 
the occasion be extraordinary, shall forfeit and pay eighteen pence." 



6 HISTORICAL SKETCH 

lated and improved, until a large part of it fell a sacrifice 
to the ravages of war. 

On the state of the town during an hundred and 
forty seven years to this event, it may be remarked, that 
the inhabitants were industrious, sober, and cultivated 
good principles. Publick worship was regularly attend- 
ed, schools were as well regulated as the state of society 
would allow. Navigation, which consisted principally in 
the whale fishery and West India trade, though not ex- 
tensive, was prosperous ; the mechanick arts were cher- 
ished, and advantages were derived from ship-building, 
the manufactory of rum, loaf sugar, candles, leather and 
potashes. 

Judicial courts were early instituted, and continued 
until the revolutionary war. A dry dock was made in 
1678, above the present draw bridge, near the navy yard, 
and was the only one in the country. The small pox* 
and other contagious diseases have generally prevailed 
when they did in the metropolis ; and there have been 
several firesf distressing to individuals, the most remark- 
able of which was in 1749, occasioned by the villany of 
three negro servants, who were convicted of poisoning 
their master,^: and two of whom were executed, the other 
becoming evidence for the king. 

A ferry,§ communicating with Boston, which was re- 
puted to be the best regulated of any in the province, 

* The last spread of the small pox was in the autumn of 1792. The number 
inoculated was 1334 (879 inhabitants and 455 strangers) of which 9 died. 12 had 
the disease the natural way, of whom 5 died. Vaccination is now generally prac- 
tised. 

t There is an account of several fires in Charlestown, during the eighteenth 
century, in the Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Vol. I, second 
series, p. 81, &c. 

t Capt. John Codman, a respectable citizen, and an active military officer, de- 
stroyed by arsenick. The servants were named Mark, Phillis, and Phoebe, who 
were favourite domesticks. The man procured the drug, and the females admin- 
istered it. Mark was hanged, and Phillis was burnt at the usual place of execution 
in Cambridge. Phoebe, who was said to have been the most culpable, became 
evidence against the others. She was transported to the West Indies. The body 
of Mark was suspended in irons on the northerly side of Cambridge road, about a 
quarter of a mile above our peninsula, and the gibbet remained till a short time 
before the revolution. Are there any other instances of burning or gibbeting in 
the annals of New-England ? 

§ This ferry was first rented to Edward Converse for forty shillings a year. 
In 1640, it was given to Harvard College, and afforded a handsome revenue. The 
bridge at the same place now pays it two hundred pounds a year. 



OF CHARLESTOWN. 7 

was established in 1631 ; and one was opened without 
the peninsula, to communicate with Maiden, in 1640. 
There is now at this place a convenient bridge,* erected 
in 1787. 

On the retreat of the English troops from Concord, 
April 19, 1775, a great part of the inhabitants! of this 
town abandoned it, and they were dispersed in various 
parts of the country. On the 17th of June of that year, 
the Americans began a breastwork on Breed's Hill, 
which was discovered at Boston the following morning, 
when a severe cannonade commenced. In the afternoon 
an attack was made by the British, who, after a severe 
conflict, obtained a dear bought victory.:}: During the 
battle the town was set on fire, when the meeting house, 
a court house, prison, county house, two school houses, 
and a work house,§ with upwards of three hundred and 
eighty dwellings and other buildings, valued on oath at 
five hundred and twenty three thousand dollars, were 
totally consumed, and two thousand persons, being the 
whole population of the peninsula, were reduced from 
affluence and mediocrity to poverty and exile. 

Connected with these solemn transactions was the 
death of the Hon. Joseph Warren, || a distinguished states- 

* Maiden Bridge was finished in six months, and cost 5300 pounds. The prop- 
erty is vested in 120 shares. It is 2400 feet long, including the abutments, 32 
feet wide, has a convenient draw, and eight lamps. The Mistick river, over 
which it passes, is, at high water, 23 feet deep. The property is perpetual, but the 
toll is subject to alteration at the expiration of fifty years. The president is the 
Hon. John Phillips of Boston. 

t James Miller, aged 66, and Edward Barber, aged 14, were killed on that 
day. 

t The Americans engaged in this enterprize were commanded by Col. Pres- 
cott, and stated at 1500. The British (being the flower of the army) were com- 
manded by Gen. Howe, and stated at 3000. The loss of the former, in killed and 
wounded, was 450, and of the latter 1050. For an accurate account of the tran- 
saction, see Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. II p. 226. 

§ The scite of the meeting house was on the northerly part of the square, in 
front of the house now owned by the Hon. Matthew Bridge. The court house 
was on the easterly part of the square, in front of the estate belonging to the 
heirs of the Hon. Thomas Russell, deceased. One of the school houses, which 
was built for a town house, and on which were the town bell and clock, was on 
the spot where the congregational meeting house now stands ; the other, with the 
prison, county house, and work house, were on the margin of town hill, in the 
vicinity of the present school house. 

||_The day previous to the battle, Warren, at the age of 35, was appointed a 
major general, and acted on this occasion as a volunteer. He was buried on the 
field; but was afterward removed, and publickly interred at Boston, where an 
oration was pronounced, April 8, 1776, by Perez Morton, Esq. It was published. 



8 HISTORICAL SKETCH 

man, an eloquent orator, and an intrepid warrior, who fell 
an early sacrifice on the altar of freedom. 

During the siege of Boston, that division of our terri- 
tory, which we distinguished by without the neck, and 
where there are several vestiges of fortifications,* was 
principally occupied by the American troops, and the in- 
habitants were consequently subject to considerable in- 
conveniences, which it has been supposed were fully 
compensated in 1778, by a temporary residence of the 
British and Hessian army, captured at Saratoga; whose 
necessaries and conveniences were purchased with spe- 
cie, whilst the circulating medium of the country was a 
depreciated paper currency. This section was exclu- 
sively agricultural, with the exception of the alewife fish- 
ery at proper seasons, until within a few years, since 
which the manufactory of bricks has afforded employ- 
ment for many of the citizens. Its growth has been 
gradual ; it has furnished a full proportion of the town 
officers, and has derived peculiar advantages! from its 
connexion with the peninsula. 

On the removal of the seat of war in 1776 many of 
the former inhabitants returned from their exile,}: and 
commenced according to their respective means, to re- 
pair their waste places. A few of the number were able 
to erect convenient dwellings, whilst others, like their 
hardy predecessors, were only covered with temporary 
shelters. Those, who can call to mind the occurrences 
of that interesting era, must recollect their mingled emo- 
tions of despondency and pleasure. The only objects 
that retained their former appearance were desolated 
streets, and the grave yard of their ancestors and rela- 
tives ; but by a consideration of mutual sufferings, it was 
the endeavour of every individual to meliorate the con- 

* There are several hills in this town, famed in the American annals, the most of 
which command extensive prospects. On the peninsula are Bunker's and Breed's 
on the N. E. side ; and on the S. W. are Town hill (which has been much reduced) 
and a small hill used as a burying ground. Without the neck are Prospect, 
Winter, Plowed and Cobble hills (on this is the seat of the late Joseph Barrell, 
Esq.) with three others of less note, called Quarry, Reed's and Walnut hills. 

} Particularly in schools, and the high ways. 

% Mr. Timothy Thompson, jun. was the first person born on the peninsula, af- 
ter the town was opened ; and Susanna Hooper (now Mrs. Haven) was the first 
female. 



OF CHARLESTOWN. V 

dition of his neighbour; to cultivate harmony, and 
unite for the benefit of the whole. A block-house, 
erected by the enemy, at the place* originally fortified 
against the natives, was appropriated to the discharge 
of our civil duties, to the publick services of religion, 
and to the education of youth. Here, uninfluenced 
by political dissentions, we gave our first suffrages! 
for a chief magistrate and legislators, under the constitu- 
tion of this Commonwealth ; when, in the true spirit of 
republicanism, we exulted in the commencement of a 
government, achieved by our ablest statesmen, and cal- 
culated to promote our own happiness with that of our 
posterity. 

At the expiration of nine years to 17854 the buildings 
on the peninsula were one hundred and fifty one, and the 
population was five hundred and fifty. The buildings 
without the neck, were one hundred and twenty eight, 
and the population four hundred and forty nine, making 
but a small difference at that time, in the geographical 
divisions of the town. The present number of inhab- 
itants, including temporary residents§ for employment, 
is nearly six thousand, of which about five-sixths reside 
on the peninsula, where the natural population has been 
unusual|| from a constant accession of young families. 
The buildings have increased in twenty eight years from 
one hundred and fifty one, many of which were tempo- 
rary and are abolished, to the present state of respecta- 
bility and convenience, which far exceeds our former 
situation. 

The principal streets were widened, straightened and 
improved, and the market square was regularly laid out, 

* Town Hill. 

t Sept. 4, 1780. The votes for Governour were 48. Lieut. Governour 39. 
Senators 38. In 1813, the votes for Governour were 821. Lieut. Governour 821. 
Senators 819. 

J The buildings and inhabitants were numbered at this time, when a concise 
account of the town, was published in part, in the Boston Magazine ; and after- 
ward entire in No. 1 and 2 of the American Recorder (Dec. 9th and 13th, 1805) 
a newspaper printed at Charlestown, but which was not long continued. That 
publication was prepared by the author of this sketch, and embraces some of the 
facts to that period, which are here stated. 

§ Estimated at 900, including women and children. 

|| It appears by extracts from the new year's sermons of the Rev. Dr. Morse, 
that in the last 25 years, the number of births on the peninsula, was 3225, and of 
deaths 1510. 

2 



10 HISTORICAL SKETCH 

soon after the opening of the town in 1776 ; to facilitate 
which, a lottery was granted, and the state taxes were 
remitted for seven years. These with a brief, for assist- 
ance to erect a meeting house, and a partial support to 
the aged and infirm, who were reduced by the conflagra- 
tion, were the only instances of legislative aid for the 
sufferings of the inhabitants in the cause of their coun- 
try ; though a seasonable application on this subject, was 
respectfully submitted to the continental Congress, by a 
committee* appointed for that purpose. 

Our publick buildings are four meeting houses, five 
school nouses, in one of which is a town hall ; a powder 
magazine belonging to the Commonwealth, and an alms 
house.! The present number of dwellings,! stores, 

* Hon. Nathaniel Gorham and Thomas Russell. 

By the report of a committee of Congress dated Philadelphia, May 16, 1777, 
they sympathize with the sufferers, and consider the estimate of damages to be 
very moderate ; but they " apprehend that if Congress were to pay that valua- 
tion, claims much more extensive, and of a similar nature, will be made by other 
sufferers, and subject the United States to the payment of sums of money which, 
in the present exigencies of their affairs, cannot be spared from the support of 
the present just and necessary war." 

In 1784 Mr. Gorham, at the request of the sufferers went to England to solicit 
aid ; but this mission (which was disapproved of by many) like that to Philadel- 
phia, was unsuccessful. 

t A Congregational meeting house, 72 feet long, 52 feet wide and 27 feet high 
to the eaves, erected in 1783, and widened to 84 feet in 1804. It has a large tow- 
er, and elegant steeple. A bell of 1300 weight (which has been twice broken and 
replaced) was presented by Messrs. Champion, Dickason and Burgis, merchants 
of London, and an elegant clock, by the Hon. Thomas Russell. These are the 
property of the town. A convenient chapel, 26 feet long, 21 wide and 10 1-2 
high, for parish and church meetings, lectures, &c was built by subscriptions in 
the church in 1809, on part of a valuable parsonage lot, bequeathed in 1703, by 
Mr. Richard Sprague. 

A Baptist meeting house, 65 feet long, 50 feet wide and 29 feet high, erected 
in 1800. It is handsome and convenient, with a cupola and bell, but was relin- 
quished by the society for whom it was built, and now belongs to an individual. 

A Baptist meeting house, 65 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 14 feet high, built with 
brick in 1810. It is a well finished, respectable edifice, and belongs to the society 
who occupied the building above described. 

A Universal meeting house, 62 feet long, 62 feet wide, and 34 feet high, 
built with brick in 1810. It is commodious, and handsomely finished. 

Two of the school houses are built with brick, two stories high, and are on the 
peninsula; the three others are of wood, and properly located without the neck. 

There is a building erected by Major Timothy Walker for an Academy, which 
is kept by Oliver Brown, A. M. 

The Magazine on Quarry hill, is a strong stone edifice of a conic figure, and 
has been erected many years. 

The Alms house is a wooden building, two stories high, with proper accommo- 
dations for the keeper, and for the persons who are subjects of such an institution. 
The keeper is Mr. Gideon Foster. 

I Of these, some are elegant, many are spacious, and others are convenient. A 
law has lately passed, requiring a certain proportion of every new building to be 
of brick. 



OF CHARLESTOWN. 11 

barns, &c is eight hundred and fifty, of which six hun- 
dred and seventy are on the peninsula. 

In 1812 an application was made to the legislature, for 
the reestablishment of Judicial Courts, which was pro- 
bably defeated, by an influence, that has recently decided 
on the erection of a court house and jail at Lechmere's 
Point in Cambridge ; an establishment which is consid- 
ered injurious to us, but which we are told will be com- 
pensated by an intended spacious causeway, to connect 
us with that territory. 

In 1803 an avenue was opened at the easterly part of 
the town, in nearly a direct line from Salem, by means of 
a turnpike road, and the erection of Chelsea Bridge.* 

The Congregational church, established in 1633, has 
continued to the present time; a Baptist church was 
founded in 1801 ; a Universal church in 181 1, and there 
are other religious societies, by which we enjoy the pri- 
vilege of attending publick worship according to our va- 
rious opinions ; and it is honourable to the different sects, 
that there is no apparent discord on this important sub- 
ject.! 

* This Bridge was built across Mistick river in 1803, about a mile below Mai- 
den bridge. It is longer, but of the same width, has two draws, and is accom- 
modated with lamps It cost 53000 dollars, which is held in 2400 shares, half of 
which are the property of the Maiden Bridge Corporation. It reverts to the 
Commonwe -lth in 70 years. The President is Hon. Nathan Dane of Beverly. 

t The congregational ministers are as follows. 

Rev. John Wilson, settled in Aug. 1630, and removed with his church to Bos- 
ton the Nov. following. He died in 1677, aged 78. 
Rev. Mr. James settled 1632. He went to Virginia in 1646. 
Rev. John Harvard, officiated a short time, and died in 163S. Age unknown. 
Rev. Thomas Allen, settled in 1638, went to England in 1651, and died in 1673. 
Aged 65. 
Rev. Zechariah Symmes, settled 1652, died 1671. Aged 71. 

1677. 43. 

1685. 27. 

1706. 80. 

1741. 72. 

1721. 4a 

1774. 72- 

1782. 80. 

1788. 24, 

The present deacons of the church are James Frothingham, Thomas Miller, 
and Amos Tufts. 

Baptist ministers — Rev. Thomas Waterman, settled 1802, and dismissed 1803. 
He was pastor of the church, and an instructer of youth at Woburn, and died 
there, March 23, 1814, aged 39. Rev. William Collier, settled 1804. 

The decuont are David Goodwin, William Arnold, and Jame* Fosdkk. 



Thomas Shepard, 


1659, 


Thomas Shepard, jun. 


1680, 


Charles Morton, 


1686, 


Simon Bradstreet, 


1698, 


Joseph Stevens, 


«7i3. 


Hull Abbot, 


1724, 


Thomas Prentice, 


'739. 


Joshua Paine, 


1787, 


Jedidiah Morse, D. D. 


1789. 



12 HISTORICAL SKETCH 

In 1 743 a fire society was formed, which is still con- 
tinued ; with the addition of three others, in 1795, 1800 
and 1 810.* A lodge of Freemasons! was constituted, 
in 1783, and from its funds was erected, in 1794, a hand- 
some monument! on Breed's hill, in memory of a dis- 
tinguished member,§ and to perpetuate American bravery. 
Associations like these, for mutual assistance in periods 
of danger and adversity, have a beneficial influence, and 
they merit the attention of the benevolent and humane. 

In 1786 the opening of Charles River Bridge,|| erect- 
ed where the ferry was kept, was celebrated, with the 

Universal ministers — Rev. Abner Kneeland, settled in 1811. His connexion is 
dissolved, and Rev. Edward Turner from Salem, is to succeed him. 

The deacons are Moses Hall and Samuel Thompson. 

There are two other Baptist societies, which worship in private buildings. They 
consider clerical titles and dress improper, deny the necessity of ordination in 
the usual way, administer the communion every sabbath, and receive no contri- 
butions but from church members. The teachers are Mr. Walter Balfour and 
Oliver Holden, Esq. See Benedict's History of the Baptists, vol. II, p. 407 — 8. 

The first Baptist church in Boston, was gathered in Charlestown in 1665. 

* These are designated by the names of the Ancient, Phoenix, Washington, and 
Jefferson societies. 

t The Master is Mr. Thomas Hooper. 

% A Tuscan Pillar, 18 feet high, on a brick foundation 10 feet from the ground, 
eight feet square and enclosed by posts. On the top is a gilt urn, with the letters 
J. W. aged 35, entwined in masonic emblems. On the south side of the pedes- 
tal is the following inscription. 

ERECTED, A. D. MDCCXCIV, 

By King Solomon's Lodge of Free-Masons, 
Constituted in Charlestown, 1783, 

In memory of 
Major-General Joseph Warren, 
and his Associates, 
who were slain on this memorable spot, June 17, 1775. 
" None but they who set a just value upon the blessings of Liberty are wor- 
thy to enjoy her. In vain we toiled; in vain we fought; we bled in vain ; if you, 
our offspring, want valor to repel the assaults of her invaders." 
Charlestown settled 1628. 
Burnt 1775. Rebuilt 1776. 
The enclosed land was given by the Hon. James Russell. 

§ Warren was Grand Master of Free-Masons for 'North America, at the time 
of his death. 

H This Bridge, which was thirteen months in building, and considered as the 
greatest enterprize which had been undertaken in the country, is 1503 feet long, 
it has 75 piers, each composed of seven posts of oak timber, driven into the bed 
of the river, and united by cap pieces and girts. The piers are connected with 
string pieces, which are covered with four inch plank. The bridge is 43 feet 
wide, with a railed way on each side for foot passengers. It has a draw 30 feet 
wide, and is accommodated with 40 lamps. The depth of water in the channel on 
high tides is about 40 feet. The property is vested in 150 shares, each of which 
was assessed 100 pounds, and it reverts to the State in 70 years from 1786. The 
Bridges which have been since built in the vicinity, are on the same model. The 
President is the Hon. George Cabot, of Boston. 



OF CHARLESTOWN. 13 

greatest splendour and festivity, on the same spot, and 
at the same time, which eleven years before, was a scene 
of slaughter and devastation. 

A reading society and news-rooms, were opened in 
181 2, upon a liberal establishment; but by the peculiar 
state of the times, another was afterward formed, which 
divided the original subscribers, and caused a different 
arrangement. That year also gave existence, in this 
town, to a branch of the " Washington Benevolent 
Society,"* the objects of which are to support the 
constitution, preserve the union of the States, recipro- 
cate advice in times of adversity, and relieve the indi- 
gent. Its first publick appearance was on the last anni- 
versary of the birth of our political father. 

Though I omit to detail our various publick celebra- 
tions,! (which are common to other places) and the dif- 
ferent motives of those who have encouraged them, I 
cannot forbear to mention that this town, in but seven- 
teen days:}: from the mournful event, was the first in Mas- 
sachusetts, and I believe in the United States, that insti- 
tuted publick funeral honours on the death of W a s h i n g- 
to n. There are many who hear me, that can never for- 
get the united sympathies of six hundred and twenty 
persons, moving§ by a solemn knell, and agonizing peals 
of cannon to the house of prayer ; or the copious tears 
of a crowded auditory at the recital of his unexampled 
services for his beloved country. The gazing school- 
boys, who accompanied us on that occasion, will renew 

* The President is Joseph Hurd, Esq. and the number of our inhabitants who 
are members is 230. 

t The 22d Feb. 4th March, 17th June and 4th July, have often been celebrat- 
ed by the different political sects ; and the 24th June by the Free-Masons. 

X Dec. 31, 1799. 

§ The procession consisted of the male inhabitants, from seven years of age and 
upwards; the Magistrates, Town, Church and Parish officers, instructers of 
the schools, the lodge of Free-Masons, and the Military, consisting of three com- 
panies in uniform. The stores and shops were shut ; the flags on the vessels and 
on shore were displayed half staff high, and minute guns were fired from Breed's 
hill. The meeting house was shrowded in black, and an appropriate discourse 
from Deuteronomy xxxiv. 5, 7, 8. was delivered by Rev. Dr. Morse, which, 
with all the proceedings, were published by the town for the use of the inhabit- 
ants. 

The 22d of February, 1S00, being set apart by the Congress of the United 
States, was suitably noticed by the town. A procession was formed similar to the 
above, and an Oration delivered by the author of this history, which war publish- 
ed at the request of the selectmen and parish committee. 



14 HISTORICAL SKETCH 

their tender emotions, when they tell the melancholy 
story to their listening children, and the records of the 
town will transmit to future ages, a most honourable testi- 
mony of our esteem and veneration. 

By this cursory retrospect of thirty seven years, from 
the rebuilding of the town, we may discover the benefi- 
cial effects of industry and perseverance. Our com- 
merce, ship building, and other mechanick arts have ge- 
nerally been successful ; our manufactures, which in 
some branches are extensive, particularly of morocco 
leather, cordage, bricks, candles, soap of various kinds, 
the distillery of molasses, and the brewing of malt 
liquors ; with the extensive butcheries, tan yards, and 
packing large quantities of provisions for foreign mar- 
kets, afford, in prosperous times, a productive income 
to the different proprietors, and a handsome support to 
various classes of our fellow citizens. 

Our pleasant, healthful and commodious situation, is 
frequently a subject of conversation, with occasional vis- 
itants. The events of the revolutionary war ; the Navy 
Yard* located in 1800, and now in active operation, by 
the building of a seventy-four gun ship, and the fitting 
of other vessels of war ; the Middlesex Canal,t opened 
in 1803, and creating a deposit for wood, lumber 
and other articles ; the Marine Hospital,^: erected in 

* The territory comprising the national accommodations, being between 40 
and 50 acres, was ceded to the U. States in 1800, by the General Court, who re- 
tain no other jurisdiction than to prevent a refuge against breaches of our statutes 
committed without its limits. The persons residing there are subject to no taxes, 
nor the performance of municipal duties; and it is considered as settled by the 
Judiciary, that they are not entitled to the ordinary rights and privileges of our 
citizens. The land appropriated, was valued by a Jury at 37,280 dollars. A part 
of it is used for the Marine Hospital, and a part by the Military department, 
which is accommodated with stores, a magazine and barracks. The Navy de- 
partment is furnished with an elegant dwelling house, extensive brick buildings 
for stores, lofts, &c. a spacious wharf, batteries, and other conveniences, which 
are nearly completed. The principal officer is Commodore William Bainbridge. 

Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Gushing of the U. S. army, quarters here. There is 
also, a house used as a military hospital, of which Benjamin Waterhouse, M. D. ia 
surgeon, and about 300 soldiers, most of whom are prisoners on parole. 

t This Canal, which affords a water communication from Boston to Merrimack 
river, terminates on the peninsula at Charlestown. For a particular description of 
this immense undertaking, see Morse's Universal Geography, fourth edition. 
Vol. I. p. 348. The President is Aaron Dexter, Esq. 

J The Marine Hospital of the United States is 100 feet by 40, two stories high, 
and a basement ; it is accommodated with kitchens, a spacious hall, and nineteen 
rooms, with a garden. The average number of patients is stated at 30. It ia 
controlled by the Collector of the Customs, and conducted by an overseer or 
Bteward, under the direction of the surgeon, who is David Townsend, M. D. 



OF CHARLESTOWN. 15 

1803, for the accommodation of sick and disabled sea- 
men; and the State Prison* built in 1805, for the pun- 
ishment, employment and reformation of convicts, have 
given us publicity ; and we cherish a belief, that these 
important circumstances and establishments, will be so 
estimated and conducted, as to answer th_ publick expec- 
tations, and promote the happiness of the town. 

On political occurrences I shall remark generally, that 
during our connexion with Great Britain, we enjoyed 
the customary privileges ; a due proportion of the in- 
habitants were appointed to important offices ; there was 
a regular compliance with the requirements of govern- 
ment, and a cheerful support of the publick burthens. 
But we participated fully in the effects of the stamp act 
in 1765, the revenue bill in 1768, the port bill in 1774, 
and of other tokens of ministerial impolicy. In proof of 
our patriotism it may be observed, that at the commence- 
ment of serious opposition! to parliamentary measures, 
we united, as I hope we ever shall, to resist oppres- 
sion, and that but a single inhabitant,^: sought protection 
from the parent country, whilst many§ engaged, in various 

* This Prison is said to be as secure as any in the world. It is 200 feet long, 
44 wide and 38 high, containing 90 cells for convicts, with kitchens, convenient 
rooms for officers, and guards, a chapel, hospital, store, work shops, and bathing 
place. The yard, in which is a garden, is encompassed with a stone wall, 375 by 
260, and 15 feet high, on which the guards are stationed. The number of con- 
victs admitted from Dec. 1805, to the time of this address, is 640, of whom 296 
have been discharged, 80 pardoned, 9 escaped, 22 died, 1 shot, and 232 remain. 
The visitors are the Supreme Executive of the Commonwealth, and the Supreme 

iudicial Court. The directors are James Prince, James T. Austin, and Caleb 
lingham, Esq'rs. ; the warden is Capt. Gamaliel Bradford ; and the physician is 
Josiah Bartlett, M. D. 

t E. N. a respectable citizen of this town, late., leceased at the age of 78, has 
repeatedly mentioned to ihe writer, that he was among the Indians, who de- 
stroyed the tea at Boston in 1774. 

\ Thomas Danforth, F q. who was the only attorney at law in the town. 

§ At the commencement of hostilities, a company of our inhabitants was raised 
and served eight months. It was in the battle on Breed's hill. The officers were 
*Capt. Josiah Harris, *Liait. Bartholomew Trow, Ensign Thomas Miller, Ser- 
geants, James Berry, Timothy Thompson, *Samuel Moore and Francis Greene. 

The citizens of this town, who held appointments in the army, and served for 
different periods, were, — In the line, Captains *Benjamin Frothingham, *Elipha- 
let Newell, and *William Harris. In the medical department, Doctors *Isaac 
Rand, who attended small pox patients, *Isaac Foster, an hospital surgeon, and 
afterward a deputy director general, Thomas Welsh, a regimental surgeon, and 
Josiah Bartlett, a hospital mate, and afterward surgeon. In the commissary's 
department, *Ezekiel Cheever, Richard Frothingham, and Thomas Frothingham, 
jun. — Those marked * are dead. 

Benjamin Frothingham, Isaac Foster, Josiah Bartlett, Ezekiel Cheever, Rich- 
ard Frothingham and Thomas Frothingham, jun. continued during the war. 



16 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



stations in the revolutionary army, and some continued 
until the termination of the contest. 

During the confederation of the United States, and 
the first administration of the federal government, we 
were tolerably united in principles and conduct ; but a 
question on the adoption of the British treaty in 1795, 
revived our prejudices ; and the commotions of Europe, 
aided perhaps by that spirit of rivalship which is insepa- 
rable from the human character, excited in our citizens, 
those unhappy divisions, which paralize the energies of 
our country, and threaten us with the most serious cal- 
amities. May we all cultivate union, candour, modera- 
tion, and forbearance ; and let us remember, that by a 
noble support of a free constitution, ancient Rome was 
elevated to happiness and glory ; but by innovations and 
animosities, she fell from her exalted rank to infamy 
and slavery. 

If we except the years 1809 and 18 12 (when a union 
ticket prevailed) the affairs of the town have for a long 
period been exclusively administered* by those, who es- 
pouse the present measures of our national government; 
but it is pleasing to reflect, that political dissensions have 
not destroyed our social intercourse, our mutual charities, 
or the personal confidence of our citizens in each other. 

From the adoption of the constitution in 1780, we 
chose* but one representative annually to the General 
Court, until 1803, when we elected two; in 1804 three; 
in 1805 four; and in 1806 five, which number has been 
continued to the last election, when by an equality of 
suffrages, for the diffeient candidates, and an unintention- 
al errour in declaring the choice, the seats of four were 
vacated, and we are again reduced to a single member,! 

* The present Selectmen (1813) are David Goodwin, Esq. Messrs. Timothy 
Thompson and Richard Frothingham, Col. Isaac Smith, Mr. Peter Tufts, Capt. 
Joseph Miller and Mr. John Tapley. Town Clerk, John Kettell, Esq. Treas- 
urer, Mr. David Devens. 

Elected 1814. Selectmen, David Goodwin, John Soley, and Jeremiah Evarts, 
Esq'rs. Deac. Amos Tufts, Messrs. Samuel Payson, Peter Tufts, and Joseph 
Tufts. Clerk, Mr. David Dodge. Treasurer, Mr. D. Devens. 

t Capt. Joseph Miller. His predecessors in office from the operation of the 
constitution were *Timothy Tufts, Esq. *Hon. Nathaniel Gorham ; Thomas Har- 
ris, and *Richard Devens, Esq'rs. Hon. Josiah Bartlett, *Aaron Putnam, Esq. Hon. 
Matthew Bridge, David Goodwin, Esq. Messrs. Richard Frothingham, and Seth 
Wyman, Col. Nathaniel Hawkins, Messrs. Elijah Mead, Daniel Tufts, Timothy 



OF CHARLESTOWN. 17 

on whom the responsibility devolves, at this most impor- 
tant crisis. 

We have usually furnished a senator for the district of 
Middlesex, and repeatedly a member of the supreme 
executive.* One of our respected inhabitants, who 
served in various offices, was, for many years, the com- 
missary general! of this commonwealth. We were 
also honoured with a president of congress under the 
confederation ; who was afterward a member of that au- 
gust assembly that formed the constitution of the United 
States, and of the convention of this State that ratified it4 

This town enjoyed the residence, and here are deposit- 
ed the ashes of the most distinguished benefactor§ of 

Thompson, and David Devens ; Peter Tufts, jun. John Kettell, and William Aus- 
tin, Esqrs. Elected for 1814 — Joseph Hurd and John Soley, Esqrs. and Mr. Jos- 
eph Tufts, who do not espouse the measures of the national government. 

* 
* The inhabitants, who have served as senators, under the present constitu- 
tion, are *Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, Josiah Bartlett, Matthew Bridge, and Samuel 
Dana. As members of the council, *Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, Josiah Bartlett, 
and Artemas Ward. 

t Richard Devens, Esq. who died in 1807, aged 86. " From a native strength 
of mind, quick discernment, and commendable industry, he was qualified for dis- 
tinguished usefulness. He sustained at different periods the most important town 
offices; was a magistrate and legislator; and bequeathed a large sum for charita- 
ble purposes." For a particular delineation of his character, see Panoplist, vol. 
III. p. 239. 

J Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, who died in 1796, aged 58. Having served in vari- 
ous town offices, he was chosen representative in 1771, and from that period was 
seldom disengaged from publick employments. He was Speaker of the House; 
a Judge of the county Court, and, at the time of his death, supervisor of the na- 
tional revenue for the district of Massachusetts. In testimony of his merits and 
important services, and in compliance with a vote of the town, an eulogy on his 
character was delivered, June II, 1796, by Thomas Welsh, M. D. and is published. 

§ John Harvard died in 1638. All that can be ascertained of this gentleman 
is, that he had been a minister in England, and died soon after his arrival in this 
country ; that he preached a short time in this town, and bequeathed about eight 
hundred pounds to the College. The writer has repeatedly searched for his 
grave, but could discover nothing to designate it. 

The following inhabitants of Charlestown (including exiles by the war in 1775) 
received degrees at Harvard College, and their names are copied from the Cata- 
logue. For information on this subject before the memory of the writer, he 
is indebted to the politeness of the Hon. William Winthrop, of Cambridge, who 
is a descendant of the fifth generation from Governour Winthrop. 

Those, who are not marked as dead, and have no place of residence annexed, 
are now inhabitants of the town. 



1647 ^Comfort Star, Mr. Socius. 
53 *Samuel Nowell, Mr. Thesau. 

*Joshua Long, Mr. 
56 *Thomas Greaves, Mr. Soc. 



57 *Zechariah Symmes, Mr. Soc. 71 * Isaac Foster, Mr. Soc. 

♦Zechariah Brigden, Mr. Soc. *Samuel Phipps, Mr. 

3 



1658 * Benjamin Bunker, Mr. 

63 *Nathaniel Cutler. 

64 *Alexander Nowell, Mr. Soc. 
69 *Daniel Russell, Mr. Soc. 



18 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



Harvard University ; and there are many of our departed 
citizens, who were highly esteemed as clergy, judges, 
legislators, magistrates, and publick benefactors * 



86 *Nicholas Morton. 

90 'Nicholas Lynde. 

91 * Joseph Lord, Mr. 

1703 *Thomas Greaves, Mr. Mas."*. 
Prov. Cur. Sup. Jurid. 
20 * Joseph Stimson, Mr. 

22 *Seth Sweetser, Mr. 

23 *Joseph Lynde, Mr. 

24 'Henry Phillips, Mr. 

25 *Edward Dowse* 

26 *Thomas Greaves, Mr. 

27 *Benjamin Kent, Mr. 

28 *Simon Bradstreet, Mr. 

31 'Chambers Russell, Mr. 

Mass. Prov. Cur. Sup. Jurid. 
'Joseph Kent, Mr. 

32 * Thomas Skinner, Mr. 
35 'Daniel Russell, Mr. 

'John Bunker, Mr. 

39 'Jonathan Kent, Mr. 

40 *Benjamin Stevens, Mr. S. T. D. 
'Samuel Henley. Mr. 

50 'Thomas Cheever, Mr. 

52 'William Foster, Mr. 

53 'David Jenner. 

57 'Charles RusselL M. D. Aberd. 

58 *David Wyer, Mr. 
'Isaac Foster, Mr. 

59 'John Gorham, Mr. 
61 * Thomas Carey, Mr. 

Isaac Rand, Mr. M. D. M. M. S. 
Vice Praeses et Prajses. S. M. 
Lond. Soc. Corresp. A. A. et 
S. H. S. Boston. 

63 'Richard Carey, Mr. 

64 * Thomas Abbot, Mr. 
'Thomas Brigden, Mr. 

66 'Joseph Dowse. 



1766 'John Stevens, Mr. 

71 John A. Mason, Mr. Boston. 
John Frothingham, Mr. Portland. 

72 Thomas Welsh, M. D. M. M. S. 

et A. A. Soc. Boston. 

76 'Ezekiel Henley, Mr. 

Isaac Hurd, Mr. M. M. S. Soc. 

Concord. 
William Stearns, Mr. Salem. 

77 * Jacob Conant 

78 Josiah Bartlett, M. B. 1791. M. D. 

1809. M. M. S. A. A. et S. H. S. 

81 'Timothy Swan. 

82 'Richard Codman, Mr. 

87 Thaddeus M. Harris, Mr. Bib. S. 
T D. S. H. et A. A. S. Dorchester. 

88 James Gardner, Mr. M. D. M. M. 

S. Soc. Lynn. 
90 Abijah Tufts, Mr. Virginia. 
92 John Gorham, Mr. 

96 Benjamin Gorham, Mr. Boston. 

97 Joseph Hurd, Mr. 
'Benjamin Wood. 

9S William Austin, Mr. 

Henry Gardner, Mr. M. D. M. M. 
S. Soc. Maiden: 
1800 'Aaron H. Putnam, Mr. 

3 Abner Gardner, Mr. Roxbury. 

4 Oliver Brown, Mr. 

5 Isaac Warren, Mr. Concord. 

6 Isaac Hurd, Mr. I.ynn. 

7 Joseph Tufts, Mr. 

10 Joseph Eaton. 

William J. Walker, Mr. M. D. 

11 Charles Hurd. 
James Russell. 

13 Gorham Bartlett., 
Henry Thompson. 



The following additional graduates at Harvard College reside in town at this 
time. 



1801 Elias Phinney, Mr. 
2 Henrv Adams, Mr. 



1782 Samuel Payson, Mr. 
86 Elias H. Derby, Mr. 1803. 
95 Samuel J. Prescott, M r. 

At Yale College, New-Haven. 

1783 Jedidiah Morse, Mr. et Nass. 18 10 Samuel F. B. Morse. 

Tutor, S. T. D. Edin. A. A. et 11 Sydney E. Morse. 

S. H. Mass. Soc. 12 Richard C. Morse. 

1802 Jeremiah Evarts, Mr. C. A. Soc. Theodore Dexter. 

At Providence College. 1797 William Collier, Mr. Z802 Benj. Gleason, Mr. 
At Dartmouth College, Hanover. 
1808 Leonard M. Parker. 181 1 Abraham Andrews and William Gordon. 
Abraham R. Thompson entered in 1795, an< ^ continued till 1797. 
Inhabitants who are undergraduates at Harvard College. John M. Fiske, Jo- 
siah Bartlett, Jun. Samuel Bridge, John L. Payson, Samuel Soley. 

1665 *Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, the only Indian who ever received a degree at 
Harvard College, died at Charlestown in 1666, aged 20. 

* The present magistrates are, justices through the state, Hon. Samuel Dana, 
(who has been president of the senate, and is chief justice of the Circuit Court of 



OF CHARLESTOWN. 19 

Our military arrangements have generally been re- 
spectable. As early as 1630, a lot of land was designa- 
ted as a training field, and has been continued by that 
name, and for that use, to this time. Our present mili- 
tary force are three companies of militia, all of which are 
well officered and provided ; an artillery company formed 
in 1786, and two companies. of light infantry in 1804. 
These are so completely equipped and disciplined, as to 
sustain an equal rank with any in the commonwealth. 
We have now a brigadier general, three field officers, 

Common Pleas) and Josiah Bartlett, Esqrs. Justices of the quorum, John Soley 
and John Kettell, Esqrs. Justices of the peace, Benjamin Hurd, Joseph Hurd, 
Oliver Holden, David Goodwin, Thomas Harris, *Abner Rogers, Matthew 
Bridge, Henry Adams, H. W. Gordon, Peter Tufts, Jun. William Austin, Elias 
Phinney, and Elias H. Derby, Esquires. Mr. Rogers died Feb. 23, 1814, aged 35. 

There are many ancient epitaphs on the burying hill, most of which are not 
legible. The following have been copied with difficulty, and may serve as a spe- 
cimen of the taste of our forefathers. 

" Here lieth the body of Mr. John Greene, born at London, in Old England, 

who married Perseverance the daughter of Johnson in Amsterdam, by 

whom he had six children; with whom and three children he came to Charles- 
town, in New-England, in 1632, was ruling elder of the church, and deceased 
April 22, 1658, aged 65, leaving behind two sons and one daughter, viz. John, 
Jacob, and Mary, who erected this monument to the memory of him and his wife, 
their father and mother." 

" Here lies interred the body of Richard Russell, Esq. who served his country 
as treasurer, more than a treble prentiship, and as a magistrate sixteen years; 
who departed this life the 14th of May, 1676, being the 65th year of his age. 

A saint, a husband, and a faithful brother, 

A friend, scarce equalled by any other, 

A saint, that walked high in either way, 

In godliness and honesty all say. 

A husband rare 1 3 both his darling wives, 

To her deceas'd, to her who him survives. 

A father politick, and husband kind, 

Unto our state in treasureship we find. 

Of fathers good, as best to own to those, 

On him a fathership law did impose, 

A Moses brother kind, good Aaron lov'd, 

On whom love showers, full of strength improve, 

A friend to needy poor, whom he refresh'd, 

The poor may well lament their friend suppress'd, 

In time of war he was removed in peace, 

From sin and woes to glory, by his decease." 
I copied the above from the original stone in 1787, ahd it was replaced by the 
descendants at that time on a tablet of soft free stone, which is not proper for 
such uses, as the inscription is now almost effaced. 

" Here lies the body of John Phillips, Esq. who departed this life March 20, 
1725, aetatis suae 94, who served in divers posts; was some time judge of the ad- 
miralty, and treasurer of the province ; as colonel and chief officer of the regiment 
ab anno 1689 ad annum 1715; as one of the justices of the Inferior Court of Com- 
mon Pleas, and one of his majesty's council, ab anno 1689 ad annum 17 16, suc- 
cessively." " - 

The tomb stone of Capt. Richard Sprague (one of the first comers from Salem) 
is to be seen : but the whole inscription is not legible. 



20 HISTORICAL SKETCH 

two brigade staff officers, and a regimental surgeon.* 
Several of our citizens are members, and we have re- 
cently furnished a commander! of the Ancient and Hon- 
ourable Artillery Company, which, in 1638, was formed 
at Boston, as a school for officers, and is the oldest mili- 
tary establishment in the United States. 

The learned professions,:}: as they are termed, have 
been honourably encouraged, decently remunerated, and, 
in general, properly conducted. But constantly varying 
in theory, and from their nature involved in obscurity, 
they are liable to abuses ; and their usefulness is oftener 
lessened by unworthy conduct in their members to each 
other, than by a want of candour in the publick. 

Our free schools were incorporated by a special act of 
the legislature, in 1793. They are governed by seven 
trustees§ occasionally elected by the town in May. They 
are liberally endowed by permanent funds and annual 
appropriations.il The trust is now in charge of those 
who are competent and faithful. Let it be our care to 

* The militia companies are commanded by captains Lot Pool, Robert Tenney, 
and John Gibbs. The Artillery, by captain Loammi Kendall. The Warren Pha- 
lanx, by captain Samuel T. Armstrong, and the Light Infantry, by captain 
James K. Frothingham. The other officers are, brigadier general Nathaniel 
Austin, jun. (who is sheriff of the county) colonel Jonathan Page, majors Joshua 
B. Phipps, and William Fernald. Brigade quarter master, major Timothy 
Walker, brigade major and inspector, major Samuel Jaques. Surgeon, Abra- 
ham R. Thompson, L. M. 

t Captain Melzar Holmes. 

% The clergy are Rev. Jedidiah Morse, D. D. and William Collier, A M. The 
Universal church is vacant, but Rev. Edward Turner is soon to be installed. 

Attorneys at law. — William Austin, *Abner Rogers, Elias Phinney, Henry 
Adams, and Joseph Tufts, Esqrs. and Leonard M. Parker, A. B. 

Practitioners in medicine. — Josiah Bartlett, M. D. and Abraham R. Thomp- 
son, L. M. who are fellows of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Theodore 
Dexter, A. B. a candidate for practice. 

§ The present board are the Rev. William Collier, President; Capt. Nehemiah 
Wyman, Treasurer; Dr. Abraham R. Thompson, Secretary; Messrs. George 
Bartlett and David Stetson, Capt. Joseph Miller, and Mr. Daniel Reed. 

Their predecessors in office were *Richard Devens, Esq. *Hon. Nath. Gorham, 
and Josiah Bartlett; *Aaron Putnam and Joseph Hurd, Esqrs. Col. Nath. 
Hawkins and Mr. Seth Wyman (who are named in the act) Messrs. Samuel 
Tufts and Jonathan Teel, Rev. Jedidiah Morse, Benjamin Hurd, Esq. Mr. Timothy 
Thompson, Maj. Timothy Walker, David Goodwin, Esq. Hon. Matthew Bridge, 
Thomas Harris, Esq. Messrs. Samuel Payson, Joseph Phipps, John Stone, Elijah 
Mead, James Greene, John Tufts, and Samuel Thompson; Peter Tufts, Jun. 
and John Kettell, Esqrs. Messrs. Samuel Kent, Daniel Parker, David Devens, 
Jonas Tyler, Philemon R. Russell, and Ebenezer Cutter, William Austin, Esq. 

The instructers on the peni?isula, are Abraham Andrews, A. B. Messrs. David 
Dodge, John Bennet, and Oliver Jaqueth. Without the neck, Messrs. Moses 
Hall, Jacob Pierce, and Benjamin Greene. 

II The permanent fund is £5081, and the appropriation for 1813 I3500. 



OF CHARLESTOWN. 21 

strengthen their hands, and encourage their hearts ; for 
free schools were the glory of our ancestors, they are 
the boast of New-England, and the palladium of our fu- 
ture prosperity. 

In the year which is nearly closed, an extensive soci- 
ety* of all the religious denominations, and of different 
political principles, has been organized for the reforma- 
tion of morals, which, if prudently conducted, may tend 
to the peace and happiness of the town. 

By a display of publick spirit, and with a degree of 
unanimity, ominous of future success, this handsome, 
convenient edifice,! designed for the accommodation 
of our reading society,^: and for purposes like the pre- 
sent, has been expeditiously completed, and in the act of 
incorporation§ is designated by the name of Washing- 
ton Hall. 

* The president is Rev. Jedidiah Morse, D. D. 

t This is a brick building, situated on the main street, and accommodated with 
a handsome rear entrance from Town Hill. It is 53 feet long, 29 feet wide, and 
three stories high. The property is vested in fifty shares, subscribed for by 34 
persons, viz. Benjamin Swift 5 shares, Joseph Hurd 3, Timothy Walker 3, Ashur 
Adams 3, Josiah Bartlett 3, Jedidiah Morse 2, Nathan Tufts 2, Apollos Field 2, 
Richard Boylston 2, David Stetson, Nathaniel Austin, Jun. Samuel Soley, Wil- 
liam Pratt, Thomas Kettell, Stephen Gorham, Chester Adams, Nathan Adams, 
Thomas Osgood, Elias Phinney, Oliver Jaqueth, Benjamin Adams, John Soley, 
Ab R Thompson, Henry Adams, Elisha Wheeler, Thomas Boylston, *Benjamin 
Hurd, Jun. Samuel Kidder, John Skinner, William Fernald, Samuel Jaques, 
Isaac Warren, Amos Tufts, and Jeremiah Evarts 1 each. Mr. Hurd died 
Sept. 15, 1813, aged 37. 

The expense, including the land, was $6250. The cellar and lower story are 
used for. an elegant druggist's store; the second story is for reading and news 
rooms; in the third is the Hall, and a convenient drawing room, appropriated 
for various uses. In the yard is an office about 15 feet square, occupied by Mr. 
James Frothingham 3d, portrait painter. 

\ This institution is furnished by the " Washington Hall Association " with 
newspapers, books, &c. of which there is a considerable collection. Subscribers 
are admitted by the Directors, each of which pay $5 a year. The present num- 
ber is 85, and the officers of the association, elected 1814, are Joseph Hurd, Esq. 
President; Major Timothy Walker, Vice-P"'sident ; Mr. Samuel Soley, Clerk 
and Treasurer; John Soley, Esq. and Mr. Thomas Kettell, who form a board 
of Directors. 

The other reading Society has a room in the square; the subscribers pay #5 
a year, the number is 53, and the officers are Major William Thompson, Presi- 
dent ; John Kettell, Esq. Messrs. Jesse Brown, Leonard M. Parker, and Kendall 
Bailey, Committee; Maj. W. Thompson, Treasurer; L. M. Parker, A. B. Clerk. 

§ " COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
An Act to incorporate sundry persons in Charlestown, in the county of Middle- 
sex, by the name of the Washington Hall Association. 

Sect. i. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Gen- 
eral Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That Joseph Hurd, Jo- 
siah Bartlett, David Stetson, Timothy Walker, and Benjamin Swift, with such 
others as have associated, and purchased a lot of land, bounded thirty feet on the 
main street, in said Charlestown, running back one hundred and fifty feet, and 
are erecting a building thereon by the name of Washington Hall, for offices, 



22 HISTORICAL SKETCH 

We now solemnly and joyfully dedicate it to the 
memory of that illustrious, unequalled patriot 
whose name it bears. Here we may venerate his virtues, 
cultivate his principles, and practise by his example. 
Within these walls may our successors manfully sup- 
port the doctrines of rational liberty ; and when an hun- 
dred and eighty five years, the period we have so imper- 
fectly reviewed, shall again have expired, may they 
recognize the efforts of the present era, as we now cele- 
brate the exertions of those who have passed before us 
to the regions of immortality. 



APPENDIX. 

THE following is a detail of the births and deaths (be- 
fore noticed) on the peninsula for the past 25 years. 

Ye:rs. Births. Deaths. Years. Births. Deaths. 

1789 52 22 

90 40 35 

91 47 . 26 

92 46* 32 x. 

93 64 32 

94 70 26 

95 77 38 

96 83 65 

97 103 50 

98 93 40 
- 99 93 40 
1800 102 60 

1 114 95 

2 120 79 

reading rooms, and other purposes ; be, and they are hereby incorporated, for 
holding in fee simple, and managing the affairs of Jhe said estate, which is divided 
into fifty shares ; and they are authorized to use a common seal, and to establish 
such by-laws, relating to the said corporation, as are not repugnant to the consti- 
tution and laws of this Commonwealth; provided the annual income of said cor- 
poration shall not exceed the sum of fifteen hundred dollars. 

Sect. 2. Be it further enacted, That said Joseph Hurd be authorized to call 
the first meeting of the said corporation, by a written notification to each mem- 
ber, at least three days before the time of meeting. 

Approved, June 16, 1813. CALEB STRONG. 

The persons named in the act were the Directors, to provide materials, make 
contracts, and conduct the erection of the building. Mr. Chester Adams was 
Clerk and Treasurer. 



03 


135 


57 


4 


140 


79 


5 


150 


68 


6 


200 


80 


7 


190 


90 


8 


200 


47 


9 


197 


78 


10 


228 


63 


11 


220 


100 


12 


233 


93 


13 


228 


115 




3225 


1510 



OK CHARLESTOWN. 23 

A census of the inhabitants of Charlestown, taken in 
August and September, 1810, by Mr. Timothy Thomp- 
son, Jun. who was appointed for that purpose by the 
marshal of the United States for the district of Massa- 
chusetts. 



Under ten years of age 
From ten to sixteen 


Males. 

651 

308 


Females. 

771 
351 


sixteen to twenty six 
twenty six to forty five 
forty five and upwards 
Convicts in the State Prison 


496 
612 
281 
195 


510 

496 

260 

5 




2543 


2393—4936 



Included above, are 25 black males and 37 females. 

Mr. Thompson has also furnished the following ac- 
count of manufactures in the town, taken at the same 
time. 

Articles. Value per year. 

Eighteen millions bricks - - 650,000 

One hundred and seventy chaises - - 34,000 

Two hundred and fifty gallons rum per day 50,000 

Four thousand hides tanned - - 28,000 

Cordage ..... 106.000 

Twine - - - - - 1,500 

One hundred and fifty thousand morocco skins 225,000 

Stone and earthen ware - - - 6,500 

Thirty thousand pounds fine soap - - 9,000 

Ninety thousand pounds common do. - 9,000 

Ten thousand boxes mould candles - - 70,000 

Four thousand hats - - - 14,000 

Plated ware ..... 7,550 

Cabinetwork : 19,000 
Twenty eight hundred and fifty yards common 

weaving .... 2,113 



$1,231,663 



Establishments for preparing spirit of turpentine and 
lamp black, and for a brewery, were not valued. 



24 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF CHARLESTOWN. 

There have been, an extensive distillery erected, two 
tan yards completed, a factory for preparations of vitriol 
established, and salt petre works commenced, since the 
census was taken ; but it is the opinion of competent 
judges, that the manufactory of bricks, chaises, cordage, 
morocco leather, plated ware, and cabinet work, has 
greatly lessened since that period. 

The Schools are in a state of great prosperity ; as 
will be shewn by the following extract from a report of 
the trustees to the town, May 2, 18 14. 

"At the late examinations, we found the schools under 
the most perfect government, and in the highest state of 
improvement ; we cannot refrain from congratulating 
our fellow-citizens on a situation of their publick schools, 
so auspicious to the best interests of the town, so grati- 
fying to the dearest hopes of parents, and bearing such 
honourable testimony to the eminent ability and fidelity 
of the instructers." 

On the acceptance of the report, the town voted one 
thousand dollars in addition to the usual annual appropri- 
ation, for the education of young children ; in conse- 
quence of which, twenty one districts are established, 
and to each a schoolmistress is appointed, for the instruc- 
tion of those, from four to seven years of age, the whole 
number of whom is four hundred and twenty five ; the 
scholars of both sexes, in the other schools, Lorn seven 
to fourteen years of age, are seven hundred and seven- 
teen ; which makes the whole number, instructed at the 
expense of the town, eleven hundred and forty two. 

A publick 'support of schools, kept by women, for 
primary instruction, and free to every inhabitant, under 
the direction of the trustees, though novel, is honourable 
to the town, and affords a pleasing presage of future im- 
provement. 

Charles town, May 9, 1814. 






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